Dictionary entry

Cow (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Cow, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Cowed (koud);; p. pr. & vb. n.Cowing.] [Cf. Icel. kuga, Sw. kufva to check, subdue, Dan. kue. Cf. Cuff, v. t.] To depress with fear; to daunt the spirits or courage of; to overawe.

To vanquish a people already cowed.

Shak.

THe French king was cowed.

J. R. Green.